Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The match was largely controlled by Arsenal but tested their resilience late on.
Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring before half-time with a precise finish after sustained pressure.
It was his first goal of a season disrupted by injury.
Arsenal doubled their lead early in the second half when Georginio Rutter turned a corner into his own net.
Despite dominance, the hosts failed to kill the game.
Brighton pulled one back through Diego Gómez after a rare spell of attacking threat.
Moments later, David Raya produced a superb save to deny Yankuba Minteh.
Declan Rice, deployed out of position at right-back, typified Arsenal’s adaptability amid ongoing injuries.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his side’s control but admitted the margin should have been greater.
Brighton pressed late but could not find an equaliser.
The victory kept Arsenal’s title momentum intact despite another nervy finish.
